Consulting Magazine - March 2014

CONSULTING® MAGAZINE
CONGRATULATES THE RISING STARS
OF THE PROFESSION

35UNDER THE RISING STARS OF THE
PROFESSION

With an
extensive
financial
background and a natural
consulting acumen, Aspen
Advisors’ Akhila Skiftenes is
making a name for herself as a
go-to resource for addressing
some of the healthcare space’s
most pressing initiatives.

Recently, Skiftenes assisted with the IT planning efforts for a very complex New York City health system merger. She was tasked with helping the client effectively plan for the IT component and achieve the strategic purpose of the transaction.

Typically a 12-week project, she completed it in eight.

Skiftenes enjoys knowing that her work has a meaningful impact that will outlast her personal involvement in the projects she works on.

“One of my greatest joys is creating tools that live on beyond our tenure at a client site. I have had the opportunity to help create Aspen Advisors’ Total Cost of Ownership model, Project Budget Workbook and several other tools. These tools have value beyond me and my contributions, and that is why they are a source of great pride for me,” she says.

Skiftenes says she is grateful for
the opportunities she’s been given
right out of the gate at Aspen.

“Right from the start, I have been
assigned to challenging engagements,
and as I deliver outcomes that are
valued by my clients, Aspen is always
waiting with the next assignment.
It has given me the opportunity to
rapidly learn and grow.”
Despite her achievements, she says
what she looks forward to most is
continuing to learn. “I find that no
matter how much expertise I gain,
I am always learning and being
challenged. That is more important to
me than any individual achievement
that I may have.” ★